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Monday, March 28, 2011

Filet Mignon Salad- The Couture Lunchbox

Omg can it really be Monday again! I am juggle a minimum of four jobs- blogger, event coordinator,caterer and adjunct not mention graduate student! I am constantly on the go and I need to feed my body properly to make it through my hectic days. We all know how important breakfast is but lunch is my favorite meal or actually the only meal I have time for! Teaching evening classes leaves little time for dinner.

What I eat for lunch is extremely important-I can't stuff my face (although I'd love to) because there's no room for an afternoon nap in my schedule. I eat healthy lunches that may seem way to luxurious for the brown paper bag. My coworkers are always so interested in what I brought for lunch because they know I'm a chef and always cooking!

Most days I throw a piece of wild salmon in my toaster oven, plop it over a salad and lunch is done. Today I had this beautiful filet mignon sitting in my fridge, although 6:30 am is a little too early to fire up the grill, I need to make myself lunch! Forget about trying to make lunch the night before, that never happens. So I figured I'll roast this baby in the oven because it's just way too early to fire up the grill, don't ya think?

It's very common to see beef tenderloin aka filet mignon roasted in the oven it's actually an excellent cooking method for the meat. The beef stays juicy and doesn't dry out.Plus roasting makes for a nice easy clean up!!

Now these filet's ran me about $9.99 per pound at Costco, so the 8 oz steak picture above cost around $5.00 you can't even buy a McDonald's Angus Burger for $5.00! You sure can eat Jen DePalma's Sliced Filet Mignon Arugula and Avocado salad for under $6.50 now that is something to brag about!Jen DePalma's Sliced Filet Mignon Arugula & Avocado Salad1 8oz filet mignon1/4 avocado sliced1 tbsp of kosher salt2 tsp of black pepper2 tbsp of olive oil2 cups of arugula

Jen DePalma's DirectionsPreheat oven to 450 degreesSeason beef with salt, pepper and rub with olive oil Place on sheet pan roast For Medium rare beef roast 8 minutes on one side, turn and roast 8 minutes on other sideAllow meat to rest 10 minutes before slicing, place atop salad and avocado- dress with oil and vinegar or salad dressing of choice.

Chef Jen DePalma Winner of Rocco's Dinner Party, Season 1

Get to Know Jen DePalma

I'm a born and bred New Yorker, cooking is my passion and I love sharing it with the world. Trained at The French Culinary Institute, Freelance as a Personal Chef,C.U.N.Y. Adjunct,Blogger and Ultimate Foodie